For 20 years Ferrell was a drama club supervisor and technology director at Quincy High School in Branch County before he resigned in January after being informed of the sexual assault investigation. Police said the victim was a student at the school.

Branch County Sheriff Department Undersheriff Keith Eichler said Friday their department began an investigation in July alleging Ferrell was having an inappropriate relationship with a student.

"We had a tip from a family member or friend and it was something we needed to check out," Eichler said Friday.

Eichler and investigators from the Calhoun County Sheriff's Department said the teenage girl and Ferrell had sexual contact multiple times in Branch and Calhoun counties.

Calhoun County Sheriff Department deputies said they may seek charges in Calhoun County.

Jason Ferrell(Photo: Provided)

Deputies from both Branch and Calhoun counties conducted the search of Ferrell's home Wednesday evening.

Ferrell was arraigned Thursday in Branch County District Court. He is being held in the Branch County jail on $300,000 bond. His preliminary examination is scheduled May 4 in Coldwater.

Contact Trace Christenson at 269-966-0685 or tchrist@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on Twitter: @TSChristenson